Single Particulate Metering System With Variable Rate Controls

ABSTRACT

An improved particulate metering system is provided. The system includes an air flow origin and a plurality of particulate accelerators. A single particulate source is in communication with the particulate accelerators. Each of a plurality of operated conveyances can be in operable communication with the single particulate source and one of the particulate accelerators. The system includes a confluence of the air flow and the particulate within the mixing area of each of the particulate accelerators. Each of a plurality of discharges can be associated with the particulate accelerators. The operated conveyances can operate at different rates. The system can include one or more gearboxes adapted to be inverted and controlled by a second drive system. The improved system and controls provide variable application rates of particulate across rows in a field.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/627,052 filed onJun. 19, 2017 which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/600,664 filed on Jan. 20, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,681,602 issuedJun. 20, 2017, all of which are titled Single Particulate MeteringSystem with Variable Rate Controls, which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND I. Field of the Disclosure

A metering system for solid particulate is disclosed. More specifically,but not exclusively, a metering system with variable application ratecontrols for particulate matter, such as dry fertilizers, is disclosed.

II. Description of the Prior Art

Particulate metering systems use varied approaches to control the rateat which particulate is metered. In such instances where the particulateis fertilizer, there's a significant interest in controlling theapplication rate of the fertilizers, and specifically controlling theapplication rate across separate rows in a field. In other words, whatis desired in at least one application is a dry fertilizer meteringsystem that can adjust or vary the application rate on a row-by-rowbasis—one row receiving fertilizer(s) at a desired rate while anotherrow receives fertilizer(s) at the same or another desired rate. In mostinstances of multi-row metering using pneumatics, the distance from theair source to the discharge point for the row unit farthest from themetering implement is greater than the distance from the air source tothe discharge point of the row unit closest to the metering implement.Therefore, complications can arise generating sufficient airflow tometer particulate to all of the row units while controlling theapplication rates. Still further, the particulate traveling through anairflow path of the metering implement can experience wall friction,requiring greater upstream air pressure and increased power consumptionto meter the particulate at desired application rates. Losses andfrictional effects within the system also increase the likelihood of lagand clogging. Many desire to reduce the power consumption of theparticulate metering implement while controlling and/or ensuringconsistent application rates across all of the row units.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a particulate metering system withvariable application rate controls for separate discharges or a group ofdischarges.

The particulate metering system includes an air flow origin and aplurality of particulate accelerators. Each of the particulateaccelerators can have an air input, an air-particulate interface, amixing area, and an air-particulate output. A single particulate sourceis in communication with the particulate accelerators. A plurality ofoperated conveyances is provided. Each of the operated conveyances canbe in operable communication with the single particulate source and theair-particulate interface of one of the particulate accelerators. Thesystem includes a confluence of the air flow and the particulate withinthe mixing area of each of the particulate accelerators. Each of aplurality of discharges can be associated with the air-particulateoutput of one of the particulate accelerators. Two or more of theoperated conveyances can operate at a different rate.

The air input of each of the particulate accelerators receives an airflow from the air flow origin. The system can further include aplurality of metering controls in operable communication with theoperated conveyances to control a rate of the particulate conveyed tothe confluence. One of the metering controls can operate independentlyand dependent upon another one of the metering controls. The particulateconveyed to the particulate accelerators can be equally distributedacross the air-particulate interface of each of the particulateaccelerators and unequally distributed across the air-particulateinterface of each of the particulate accelerators.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the particulate meteringsystem includes a particulate flow path having a particulate storagearea and a plurality of particulate accelerators. Each of theparticulate accelerators has an air-particulate output and a mixingarea. The particulate flow path can further include a plurality ofoperated conveyances in operable communication with the particulatestorage area, and a discharge line connected to the air-particulateoutput of each of the particulate accelerators. The operated conveyancesconvey particulate from the particulate storage areas to each of theparticulate accelerators. The particulate can descend vertically withinthe particulate accelerators into the mixing area. The particulate canmix with and be suspended by air in the mixing area. A resultingair-particulate mixture moves through the air-particulate output intothe discharge line.

One or more drive systems can be in operable control of the operatedconveyances. Further, one or more rate controllers can be in operablecontrol of the one or more drive systems. A first subset of the operatedconveyances can be associated with a first drive system, and a secondsubset of the operated conveyances can be associated with a second drivesystem. The first drive system and the second drive system can operateindependently and/or at varied speeds.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a particulate storagearea containing one or more types of particulate is provided. Aplurality of particulate accelerators is in communication with theparticulate storage area. The system includes a first configuration of aplurality of gearboxes in operable communication with the particulatestorage area and the particulate accelerators, and a secondconfiguration of the gearboxes in operable communication with theparticulate storage area and the particulate accelerators. A drive shaftis in operable communication with the first configuration of gearboxesor the second configuration of gearboxes. A motor can be in operablecontrol of the drive shaft. The gearboxes can convey particulate fromthe particulate storage area to the particulate accelerators.

The quantity of gearboxes in the first configuration can be more or lessthan a quantity of the gearboxes in the second configuration. Thegearboxes can be inverted, such that the inverted gearboxes are not inoperable communication with the drive shaft. A second drive shaft can beoperable control of the inverted plurality of gearboxes.

The system can include a plurality of motors. Each of the motors isoperatively connected to one of the plurality of gearboxes. Each of themotors can be independently controllable.

A plurality of cartridges can be provided. Each of the cartridges can bein operably connected to the gearboxes and in communication with theparticulate storage area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrated embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail belowwith reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporatedby reference herein, and where:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a particulate metering implementin accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a particulate container in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of a particulate container inaccordance of an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the particulate container of FIG. 1Btaken along section line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a bottom tray in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of particulate handling subsystemsand a plurality of particulate accelerators in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a cartridge in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6B is an exploded front perspective view of a cartridge inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an exploded front perspective view of a gearbox in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a partial front perspective view of particulate handlingsubsystems at various stages of installation in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a partial front elevation view of a plurality of gearboxes invarious configurations in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an exploded front perspective view of an air production andhandling system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an expander in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a plenum in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 13 is front perspective view of a particulate handling system, anair production and handling system, and a plurality of particulateaccelerators in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an exploded front perspective view of a particulateaccelerator in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 15A is a front perspective view of a particulate accelerator inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 15B is a rear perspective view of a particulate accelerator inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 16 is a cross section view of the particulate accelerator of FIG.15B taken along section line 16-16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a particulate metering implement 100. While the figureshows a particulate metering implement, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that the disclosure covers other types ofimplements, including but not limited to, seed meters, seed planters,nutrient applicators, and other agricultural equipment. The implement100 can be mounted upon a towable trailer or other suitable structuresuch as a toolbar, or integrally formed with a particulate applicationsystem. The implement can include a frame assembly 102, upon which aparticulate container 200 is disposed. For user accessibility to theparticulate container 200, a platform 104 and a ladder 106 can beprovided. The implement can also include a particulate handling system300 (FIG. 2), an air production and handling system 400, and particulateaccelerator system 500.

The particulate container 200 can be connected to the frame assembly 102by frame members 108. The frame members 108 can generally be ring-shapedand surround a perimeter of the particulate container 200. The framemembers 108 can engage a lower surface 216 extending outwardly from theparticulate container 200, as shown illustratively in FIG. 2B. Theinterface between the lower surface 216 of the particulate container 200and the frame members 108 can permit the particulate container 200 to beefficiently removed from the implement. Based on the tapering nature ofthe middle portions 212 and lower portions 214 (FIG. 2B) of theparticulate container 200, the containers can be raised through theperimeter defined by the frame members 108. Thereafter, a replacementparticulate container can be efficiently installed; or a substitutecontainer (with different dimensions, structure, function, etc.) can beefficiently installed, thereby increasing the modularity of theimplement.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, a top surface of the particulate container200 can include openings 208 covered by one or more lids 202. The lid202 can be opened or removed to permit loading of particulate intoand/or servicing the particulate container 200. In an exemplaryembodiment, an edge of the lid 202 can be releasably connected to theparticulate container 200 with one or more straps 206. The presentdisclosure also contemplates hinges, rails, and other fastening meanscommonly known in the art to releasably secure the lid 202 to theparticulate container 200. One or more clamps 204 can be mounted on theparticulate container 200 proximate to the opposing edge of the lids 202to releasably secure the lids to the containers. Upon opening and/orremoval of the lid 202, one or more screens (not shown) can be disposedwithin the openings of the particulate container 200 to prevent debrisfrom entering the same.

Further, the clamps 204 can provide an airtight seal between the lid 202and the particulate container 200. In such an embodiment, the airtightseal can permit the particulate container 200 to be pressurized. In onerepresentative example, the particulate container 200 can be pressurizedto ten, fifteen, twenty or greater inches of water (inH₂0). Thepressurization can assist in guiding the particulate to the particulatehandling system 300, provide for improved control of quantitiesdispensed to the particulate handling system 300, and/or provide forimproved control of the environment in which the particulate is housed.

Referring to FIG. 2B, particulate container 200 can include an upperportion 210, a middle portion 212, and a lower portion 214. The upperportion 210 can generally be a rectangular prism or like shapes tomaximize storage capacity above the frame assembly. The middle portion212 can be a trapezium prism or like shapes to assist in funneling theparticulate to the lower portion 214. The transition from the upperportion 210 to the middle portion 212 can be generally demarcated by theframe members 108 disposed around the perimeter of the particulatecontainer 200. The lower portion 214 can also be a trapezium prism orlike shapes to assist in funneling the particulate to the base of theparticulate container 200. Further, to assist in servicing the inside ofthe particulate container 200, a ladder (not shown) can be provided.

In addition to the shape of the particulate container 200, other meanscan be provided on or within the container to assist in funneling theparticulate to the base of the container and/or to preventagglomerations of particulate within the container. Such means caninclude, but are not limited to, agitators, augers, pneumatics, beltdrives, internal structures, and the like.

The lower portion 214 of the particulate container 200 can include abottom tray 303, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The bottom tray 303 caninclude a plurality of large gates 304 and a plurality of small gates306 arranged along the length of the bottom tray 303. The plurality ofgates 304 and 306 can be square and/or rectangular, as shown, or can beof any shape to permit particulate to enter the particulate handlingsystem 300. Similarly, the plurality of gates 304 and 306 can all be thesame shape and/or size, or of varied shapes and/or sizes based on theapplication. The interstitial portions of the bottom tray 303 can beflat, as shown, or can have a wedged-shape configuration to funnelparticulate to the plurality of gates 304 and 306. The bottom tray 303can be integrally connected to the lower portion 214 of the particulatecontainer 200, or can be removable to permit a user to quickly install adifferent bottom tray 303 based on the needs of the application, furtherincreasing the modularity of the system. The plurality of large gates304 and the plurality of small gates 306 can be separated by a raisedportion 308. The raised portion 308 can funnel the particulate into theplurality of large gates 304 and the plurality of small gates 306 and/oradd structural support along the length of the bottom tray 303.Separating the particulate into a pairs of gates can minimizeundesirable torqueing of the screw conveyors 324 (FIG. 6B) and augermotor(s) 452 (FIG. 13), particularly during initialization of theparticulate handling system 300.

A plurality of moveable and/or controllable gate covers (not shown) canbe installed on plurality of gates 304 and 306. The gate covers, whenclosed, can prevent particulate from filling the plurality of cartridges310, as shown illustratively in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B. The gate covers canbe manually controlled or operatively controlled. The configuration canfurther increase the modularity of the metering system by limiting whichdischarge points (e.g., row units), if any, receive one or more of thetypes of particulate.

One or more scales (not shown) can be associated with each of theparticulate container 200. The scales can be operatively connected to acontrol system and configured to weigh the particulate container 200.Together with one or more sensors associated with one or more gearboxes312 (FIG. 5) discussed below, the system can provide real-time and/orpost-operation feedback of the expected volume of particulate dispensedversus actual volume of particulate dispensed for each row in the fieldand/or for the overall particulate metering implement. To determineexpected volume of particulate dispensed, speed sensors can measure thenumber of rotations of a shaft 326 with flightings 328, as shownillustratively in FIG. 6B. Based on the number and known dimensions ofthe flightings 328, including diameter and helix angle, an estimation ofhow much particulate is dispensed per revolution can be obtained. Theestimation can be applied to each unit row for the particulate meteringimplement, each of which can be operating at varied rates. The totalexpected volume can then be compared to the change in weight (multipliedby the density of the particulate) as measured by the one or more scalesassociated with the particulate container 200. Further, in an embodimentutilizing real-time feedback, the control system can make adjustmentsbased on the data provided to reconcile the expected volume ofparticulate dispensed versus actual volume of particulate dispensed.Still further, the data can be used by the control system to diagnosedysfunctional screw conveyor(s) 324 and/or auger motor(s) 452 (FIG. 13),and/or identify potential blockages of particulate within theparticulate metering implement.

Disposed below the bottom tray 303 can be a plurality of cartridges 310.An exemplary embodiment of the cartridge 310 is shown illustratively inFIGS. 5, 6A and 6B. Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, each cartridge 310can include an input slot 321 sized and shaped to receive particulatepassing through the plurality of large gates 304 and the plurality ofsmall gates 306 in the bottom tray 303. A gasket 311 can seal thecartridge 310 to the inferior side of bottom tray 303. The seal canprevent particulate from escaping the system, particularly in instanceswhere the particulate container 200 is pressurized. The cartridge 310can be constructed in two halves 318 and 320. Each of the two halves 318and 320 can include a curved flange portion 330 adapted to receive ashort auger tube 314 or a long auger tube 316 (FIG. 5). While two halvescan provide for ease of manufacturing, the present disclosure alsocontemplates a unitary cartridge construction.

Within the input slot 321 of the cartridge 310 is a screw conveyor 324.In an exemplary embodiment shown illustratively in FIG. 6B, the screwconveyor 324 can include a shaft 326 and flightings 328 as commonlyknown in the art. The shaft 326 can be comprised of two shaft sections.While the embodiment can utilize a screw conveyor, it can be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that the disclosure covers other means oftransmitting the material through a tube, including but not limited to,hydraulic pistons, pneumatics, slides, belts, and the like. External tothe two halves 318 and 320 of the cartridge 310, the screw conveyor 324can be coupled to an inner shaft 332. Encircling the inner shaft 322 canbe a drive shaft 338, as shown illustratively in FIG. 6A. The innershaft 332 and the drive shaft 388 can be rotatably engaged with a pin334. The axial position of the drive shaft 338 on the inner shaft 332can be preserved through a pin 336 extending through the inner shaft 332proximate to an edge of the drive shaft 338. The drive shaft 388 can behexagonal to engage a drive shaft opening 354 in the gearbox 312, asshown illustratively in FIGS. 6B and 7. The drive shaft 338 can behexagonal as shown, or can be of any shape suitable to engage thegearbox 312 and achieve the objects of the disclosure. Further, thepresent disclosure also envisions the inner shaft 332 and the driveshaft 338 being a unitary construction.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary gearbox 312. The gearbox 312 can beconfigured of two connectable halves 342 and 344 to provide for ease ofmanufacturing. The gearbox 312 can include an input portion 346 and anoutput portion 348. The input portion 346 can include a main shaftopening 350 extending through the input portion 346. The main shaftopening 350 can be adapted to receive and engage a main drive shaft 366(FIG. 13). In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6, the main shaftopening 350 is hexagonal, but can be of any shape suitable to achievethe objects of the disclosure. The main shaft opening 350 can comprisean inner portion of an input helical gear 352. As one or more gearboxes312 can be connected in parallel, as discussed below, the main driveshaft 366 can span the length of the particulate container 200 andsimultaneously drive multiple gearboxes 312, as shown illustratively inFIG. 12. The output portion 348 can include a drive shaft opening 354adapted to engage the drive shaft 338 of the cartridge 310, as discussedabove. The drive shaft opening 354 can comprise an inner portion of anoutput helical gear 356. The input helical gear 352 and output helicalgear 356 can be in a crossed configuration, as shown in FIG. 7. Whilethe illustrative embodiment shows helical gears in a crossedconfiguration, the present disclosure contemplates any type of gearingneeded to achieve the objects of the disclosure, including but notlimited to, spur gears, bevel gears, spiral bevels, and the like. Thedrive shaft opening 354 can be orthogonal to main shaft opening 350,whereby each of the gearboxes 312 transfers the rotational speed andtorque provided by the main drive shaft 366 to an associated screwconveyor 324 disposed within a cartridge 310. The present disclosurealso contemplates other means for transferring the rotational speed andtorque provided by the main drive shaft 366 to an associated screwconveyor 324 including but not limited to, electromagnetic induction,belts, and the like.

In another embodiment, a motor can be operatively connected to eachcartridge, thereby removing the need for a gearbox. In the embodiment,the plurality of motors can be connected to the plurality of screwconveyors 324 to independently control each of the plurality of screwconveyors 324. Each of the plurality of motors can be operativelyconnected to a control system to produce a desired speed of each screwconveyor 324, of a group or bank of the screw conveyors 324, or of allthe screw conveyors 324.

Referring to FIG. 5, the particulate handling system 300 can becomprised of a plurality of particulate handling subsystems 302. Eachparticulate handling subsystem 302 can be comprised of a cartridge 310operatively connected to a gearbox 312 with a short auger tube 314 orlong auger tube 316 extending from the cartridge 310. The plurality ofshort auger tubes 314 and long auger tubes 316 and can be alternatelydisposed in parallel below a particulate container, as shownillustratively in FIGS. 5 and 10. The alternating of the short augertubes 314 and long auger tubes 316 can provide for a greater density ofadditional components disposed between particulate container 200, andmore particularly, a plurality of particulate accelerators 500.

As best shown illustratively in FIG. 8, each of the cartridges 310 canbe disposed between two hangars 360 affixed to the lower section 214 ofthe particulate container 200. Each of the hangars 360 can be welded tothe container, or can be affixed by any means commonly known in the art,including but not limited to, nut and bolt, screws, rivets, soldering,and the like. Extending outwardly along the length of the hangar 360 canbe two guide surfaces 364. As discussed below, a guide surface 364 fromadjacent hangars 360 can be adapted to receive a cartridge 310. Thehangars 360 can also include two prongs 362. Each of the prongs 362 canbe cylindrical or can be of any shape commonly known in the art toengage and/or secure a gearbox 312. Further, while the illustratedembodiment shows two prongs 362, the present disclosure contemplates anynumber of prongs without deviating from the objects of the disclosure.

In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of cartridges 310 can besecured below the bottom tray 303 by a support member (not shown)extending the length of the particulate container 200. The supportmember can be, for example, a generally U-shaped beam with a pluralityof openings to support the cartridges.

FIG. 8 illustrates a plurality of particulate handling subsystems 302 atvarious stages of installation. Beginning below so-called Sector A, twohangars 360 can be connected to the bottom surface of the particulatecontainer 200, as discussed above. The hangars 360 can be parallel toone another and spaced to provide for installation of a cartridge 310.The cartridge 310 can be installed by sliding a lower surface 340 of theinput slot 320 (FIG. 5B) along guide surfaces 364, one from each of theadjacent hangars 360, as shown illustratively below Sector B. Theadvantageous design permits for ease of installation as well as removaland reinstallation should a cartridge 310 (and/or screw conveyor 324)need to be repaired or replaced with the same or different component. Asillustrated below Sector C, the drive shaft 338 of the cartridge 310 canbe installed over the inner shaft 332. The installation of the driveshaft 338 over the inner shaft 332 can occur either before or after thecartridge 310 has been installed between hangars 360. Thereafter, agearbox 312 can be oriented such that the mounting holes 358 (FIG. 7)are aligned with the prongs 362 of the hangars 360, as shownillustratively below Sector D. In such an orientation, the drive shaftopening 354 (FIG. 7) can also be aligned with the drive shaft 338 of thecartridge 310. After installation of the gearbox 312 on the drive shaft338, a pin 334 can be installed to rotatably engage the inner shaft 332and the drive shaft 338, and a pin 336 can be installed to axiallysecure the drive shaft 338 relative to the inner shaft 332, as shownillustratively below Sector E. Further, securing means commonly known inthe art can be used to secure the gearbox 312 to the prongs 362. Theinstallation process described above can be repeated for each row unitalong the length of each of the particulate container 200. The maindrive shaft 366 (FIG. 13) can extend through and engage the main driveshaft openings 350 in each of the gearboxes 312.

Each of the gearboxes 312 can have a clutch (not shown) in operablecommunication with a control system. At the direction of the user orbased on instruction from the control system, the control system canengage/disengage one or more predetermined clutches in order toactivate/deactivate the associated one or more screw conveyors. In suchan instance, the particulate metering system can provide for sectioncontrol.

As shown illustratively in FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the two prongs 362 ofone hangar 360 can be connected to adjacent gearboxes 312. In otherwords, an upper prong of a hangar can be connected to one gearbox whilea lower prong of the same hangar can be connected to an adjacentgearbox. The arrangement is due to an advantageous design of the gearbox312, which can permit one or more gearboxes 312 to be removed, invertedand reattached to the same two prongs as previously connected, as shownillustratively in FIG. 9. The inversion of a gearbox 312 can provideseveral advantages over the state of the art. First, in an invertedposition, one or more of the gearboxes 312 can be disengaged from themain drive shaft 360 (FIG. 13) based on the needs of the application(e.g., in at least one instance, where one or more of the rows in thefield does not require particulate metering). Second, a second maindrive shaft (not shown) can be implemented and adapted to engage the oneor more gearboxes 312 placed in an inverted position. The second maindrive shaft can also extend the length of the particulate container 200and can be parallel to the main drive shaft 366. In such an embodiment,the user can invert one gearbox or can invert multiple gearboxes topermit desired groupings of the same (e.g., every four gearboxes, everyother gearbox, etc.) based on the needs of the operation/application.Furthermore, together with the same modularity for the companionparticulate handling system associated with a second particulatecontainer, the potential configurations can permit precise control overthe blends of the particulate from the containers as well as applicationrates in which the blends are metered. Still further, the means ofsecuring the gearboxes 312 to the implement can provide for efficientinstallation and/or uninstallation of the gearboxes 312 in instances ofmalfunction or failure.

In operation, particulate within the particulate container 200 can passthrough the plurality of large gates 304 and a plurality of small gates306 of the bottom tray 303 and the input slots 320 of the plurality ofcartridges 310, as best shown illustratively in FIG. 3. Referring now toFIG. 13, the main drive shaft 366 can be connected to the plurality ofgearboxes 312. Upon receiving an input force from the auger motor 452via the gearbox 312, the drive shaft 338 rotates the screw conveyors324. The screw conveyors 324 can transmit the particulate containedwithin the short auger tube 314 and long auger tube 316 towardsparticulate accelerators 500. The process described above can also occurfor each row unit along the length of the particulate container 200.

The particulate metering implement 100 can include an air production andhandling system 400 (FIG. 10). The air production and handling system400 can be disposed between and below a portion of the particulatecontainer 200.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary air production and handling system 400.air production and handling system 400 can include a blower 402 drivenby a blower motor 404 to produce an airflow. In an embodiment, arepresentative blower can operate at 20 horsepower (HP) and produce avolumetric flow rate 120-150 cubic feet per minute (CFM) per row inoperation. The disclosure also contemplates the blower 402 operating atvariable revolutions per minute (RPM). In such instances, the blower 402can require less horsepower than operating at a constant RPM. Operatingthe blower 402 at a constant RPM and/or variable RPM can be tailored tothe specific demands of the particulate metering system 402 in a givenapplication.

The blower 402 can be coupled to a plenum 410 via an extension 406 and abracket 408. Referring to FIG. 11, an inlet 418 side of an extension 406can be connected to the blower 402 at an interface 422 to couple theblower 402 to the air production and handling system 400. The interface422 between the blower 402 and the extension 406 can be a flange havingholes 426 on the inlet of the extension 406 configured to be joined bynuts and bolts, or other means such as pinning, clamping, welding, andthe like. The extension 406 can be comprised of a plurality oftriangular-shaped surfaces 424 designed to impart desired flowproperties as air enters the air production and handling system 400. Thedisclosure envisions alternative characteristics for the extension 406,including but not limited to, a circular cross-section, a nozzle, anexpander, and the like. The extension 406 can be made of steel, but thedisclosure contemplates other materials such as aluminum, polymers,composites, ceramics, and the like. An outlet 420 side of the extension408 can have a plate 428 with slots 430 and holes 432 for coupling theextension 406 to the bracket 408, as shown illustratively in FIG. 10.Further, the extension 406 can permit efficient installation anduninstallation of the blower 402 on the air production and handlingsystem 400. In such instances, the blower used in operation can becustomized to the specific needs of the application, further increasingthe modularity of the system.

After exiting the extension 406, the air generated by blower 402 canenter an intake 434 of a plenum 410 of the air production and handlingsystem 400, as shown illustratively in FIG. 12. The plenum 410 caninclude a plenum cover 412 removably connected to a plenum base 410.When installed, the plenum cover 412 can be sealed to the plenum base416 with a gasket 414 (FIG. 10) contoured to outer edges of the same. Toinstall or uninstall the plenum cover 412, the plenum cover 412 caninclude a plurality of downwardly extending flanges 448 adapted to matewith flanges 444 extending outwardly along the length of the sidewalls438 of the plenum base 416. In particular, gaps between the flanges 444on the plenum base 416 can receive to the plurality of downwardlyextending flanges 448 on the plenum cover 412, after which the plenumcover 412 can be slid laterally into a locked position. Thereafter, pins446 can be installed to ensure the plenum cover 412 remains in thelocked position. The securing means can provide for rapid accessibilityto the interior of the plenum 410 for servicing and the like.

The plenum base 416 can contain opposing sidewalls 438, a bottom wall436 and a distal wall 442. A plurality of apertures 440 can be disposedwithin the bottom wall 436 of the plenum base 416. The plurality ofapertures 440 can be arranged in two rows along the length of the plenum410. The two rows of apertures 440 along the length of the plenum base416 can be staggered longitudinally to maximize compactness of theparticulate accelerators 500 disposed below the plenum and/or to impartthe desired airflow characteristics within the plenum 410. The pluralityof apertures 440 can be elliptical in shape. The disclosure, however,envisions other arrangements and/or shapes of the plurality of apertureswithout detracting from the objects of the disclosure. For example, theplurality of apertures 440 can be arranged in one row along the lengthof the plenum base 416, or the plurality of apertures 440 can becircular or rectangular in shape. The disclosure also contemplates theplurality of apertures disposed the sidewalls 438 and/or the plenumcover 412.

The sidewalls 438 can be trapezoidal in shape. In other words, at anedge of the plenum base 416 proximate to the intake 434, the sidewalls438 are greater than the height of the same proximate to the distal wall442. The tapering of the plenum base 416 can maintain the appropriatepressure and airflow characteristics along its length as air exits theplenum 410 through the plurality of apertures 440.

A plurality of outlet pipes 450 can be connected to the bottom wall 436of the plenum base 416. Each of the plurality of outlet pipes 450 can beassociated with each of the plurality of apertures 440. The outlet pipes450 can be cylindrical in shape, but the disclosure envisions differentshapes, including oval, ellipsoid, rectangular, square, and the like.The outlet pipes 450 can be secured the bottom wall 436 by meanscommonly known in the art, including but not limited to, pinning,welding, fastening, clamping, and the like. The outlet pipes 450 can beoriented such that an acute angle exists between the major axis of theoutlet pipes 450 and the bottom wall 436 of the plenum base 416. Theorientation of the outlet pipes 450 can impart the appropriate flowcharacteristics as air transitions from the plenum 410 to a particulateaccelerator system 500 (FIG. 10).

After passing through the plenum 410 and outlet pipes 450, air generatedby the blower 402 can enter a plurality of particulate accelerators 500.Referring to FIG. 14, 15A and 15B, each of the plurality of particulateaccelerators 500 can be comprised of two opposing halves 502 and 504 andsecured by means commonly known in the art. In the illustratedembodiment, the two opposing halves 502 and 504 are joined by aplurality of snap-fit mechanisms 519 and opposing lugholes 518 throughwhich bolts, screws, pins, and the like, can be engaged. A gasket (notshown) can be disposed between the two halves 502 and 504 to provide aseal. Though two halves can provide for ease of manufacturing, thepresent disclosure envisions a unitary construction of the particulateaccelerator 500. Further, the particulate accelerator 500 can be made ofsteel, but the disclosure contemplates other materials such as aluminum,polymers, composites, ceramics, and the like.

Extending outwardly from each opposing half 502 and 504 of theparticulate accelerator 500 can be cylindrical flanges 522. One of thetwo cylindrical flanges 522 can removably interface with a ringed gasket520. In particular, the ringed gasket 520 can include two generallycoaxial surfaces sized and shaped to create a frictional fit with thecylindrical flanges 522. The ringed gasket 520 can also be adapted toreceive a short auger tube 314 or a long auger tube 316, discussed indetail below. The ringed gaskets 520 can provide a seal between theplurality of short and long auger tubes 314 and 316 and the particulateaccelerators 500. The ringed gaskets 520 can maintain the seal whilepermitting relative movement of the short auger tubes 314 and/or longauger tubes 316 within the particulate accelerator 500 due to movementof the system as the particulate container 200 are emptied, experiencevibration, and the like. The present disclosure contemplates the shortauger tubes 314 and the long auger tubes 316 can be connected to thecylindrical flanges 522 through other means commonly known in the art,including but not limited to, pinning, clamping, fastening, adhesion,and the like. The opposing cylindrical flange 522 can interface with acap 521. The cap 521 can create a frictional fit with the cylindricalflange 522, or can be secured by means commonly known in the art,including but not limited to, pinning, welding, fastening, clamping, andthe like.

Each of the plurality of particulate accelerators 500 can connect toeach of the plurality of outlet pipes 450 of the plenum 410 via holes507. The connection can be through a screw or any other means so as notto significantly impede the airflow through the particulate accelerator500.

Referring to FIGS. 15A, 15B and 16, an inlet tube 508 and outlet tube510 can extend outwardly from a generally cylindrical main body 511. Theparticulate accelerator 500 can include a baffle 522 disposed proximatethe inlet 503. The baffle 522 can restrict the flow of air through inlettube 508 to impart the desired airflow characteristics in theparticulate accelerator 500. The present disclosure contemplates thatthe baffle 522 can be placed at any point within the flow of air toimpart the desired airflow characteristics. The baffle 522 can beself-regulating, adjustable and/or controlled by any means commonlyknown in the art, including but not limited to, mechanical, electrical,electronic, pneumatic, and hydraulic controls.

The main body 511 can be integrally formed or removably connected to theinlet tube 508 and/or the outlet tube 510. The main body 511 can havecurved back wall 512 comprising an arc from the inlet tube 508 to theoutlet tube 510. Adjacent to the curved back wall 512 can be opposingside walls 516. The opposing side walls 516 can be parallel to oneanother and generally parallel to the direction of airflow through theparticulate accelerator 500. The cylindrical flanges 522 discussed abovecan extend outwardly and perpendicularly from each of the opposing sidewalls 522. The cylindrical flange 522 can have a center opening 514adapted to receive particulate from the particulate handling systems300.

In operation, particulate from a short auger tube 314 and a long augertube 316 can be forced by a screw conveyor 324 into the particulateaccelerator 500 through the center openings 514, as best shownillustratively in FIGS. 5 and 15A. Upon reaching the particulateaccelerator 500, the particulate mixture, consisting of a controlledratio of a plurality of particulates, can descend vertically within themain body 511 due to the force of gravity.

After passing through the plenum 410, air generated by the blower 402can enter an inlet 503 of a particulate accelerator 500 (FIG. 10). Dueto the shape of the particulate accelerator 500, particularly the angle534 between the inlet tube 508 and the outlet tube 510, the air cantrack in a flow pattern around the curved back wall 512. In anembodiment, the angle 534 between the major axis 530 of the inlet tube508 and the major axis 532 of the outlet tube 510 can be acute. Inanother embodiment, the angle 534 can be between thirty and sixtydegrees. The disclosure also contemplates that the angle 534 can be at aright angle or obtuse angle based on the desire flow characteristicsthrough the particulate accelerator 500.

While air is tracking in a flow pattern around the curved back wall 512,the air can mix with the blend of particulate descending vertically inthe particulate accelerator 500, as discussed above, and can force atleast a portion of the particulate mixture through the outlet 505. Anyportion of the air-particulate mixture not ejected through the outlet505 can track in a flow along the curved front wall 517 of the main body511, after which the air-articulate mixture and air can rejoinsubsequent airflow from the inlet 503 proximate to the inlet 508.

An acute angle 538 can exist between the major axis 532 of the outlettube 510 and a vertical axis 536 bisecting the center opening 514 of theparticulate accelerator 500. The acute angle 538 can result in a greaterdistance for the particulate to descend vertically prior to contacting abottom portion of the curved back wall 512. The greater distance canprovide increased time for the air, which can be tracking in a flowpattern around the curved back wall 512, to impart horizontal force onthe particulate mixture. Due to the advantageous shape of theparticulate accelerator 300, the configuration can create a fluid bed tosuspend the particulate as the particulate exits the outlet 505 and intoa discharge tube (not shown). The fluid bed and particulate suspensioncan reduce the effects of wall friction between the particulate and thedischarge tube. In particular, the fluid bed and particulate suspensioncan counteract the gravitational force on particulate traveling in thegenerally horizontal discharge tube and can minimize interaction betweenthe particulate and the bottom portion of a tube. The configuration canminimize increased backpressure due to wall friction and/or partialclogging. The fluid bed and particulate suspension can further eliminatecomplete clogging, resulting in improved particulate discharge andoverall efficiency of the metering system. The process described abovecan occur simultaneously in each particulate accelerator 500 disposedalong the length of the plenum 410, as best shown illustratively in FIG.13.

The disclosure is not to be limited to the particular embodimentsdescribed herein. In particular, the disclosure contemplates numerousvariations in the type of ways in which embodiments of the disclosurecan be applied to particulate handling systems with variable applicationrate controls for particulate matter. The foregoing description has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be an exhaustive list or limit any of the disclosure to theprecise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternatives orexemplary aspects that are considered included in the disclosure. Thedescription is merely examples of embodiments, processes or methods ofthe disclosure. It is understood that any other modifications,substitutions, and/or additions can be made, which are within theintended spirit and scope of the disclosure. For the foregoing, it canbe seen that the disclosure accomplishes at least all that is intended.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodimentsfor implementing the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting inscope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of thedisclosure with greater particularity.

What is claimed is:
 1. A particulate metering system for particulate,the system comprising: a particulate storage area containing one or moretypes of particulate; a pair of operated conveyances operably connectedin communication with the particulate storage area, each operatedconveyance having an inlet for receiving at least one of the one or moretypes of particulate and an outlet terminating in an air-particulateinterface of a particulate accelerator; a pair of shafts carryingflighting disposed in operable communication with the air-particulateinterface of the particulate accelerator, each of the pair of shaftsbeing collinear and having terminal ends disposed at the air-particulateinterface of the particulate accelerator; and a motor in operablecontrol of each shaft.
 2. The particulate metering system of claim 1,wherein the operated conveyance is enclosed within a housing for holdingparticulate from the particulate storage area and the housing has acircumference approximating flighting carried by the operatedconveyance.
 3. The particulate metering system of claim 1, whereinrotation of each of the pair of shafts urges particulate from theparticulate storage area in the same direction.
 4. The particulatemetering system of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of shafts rotatesindependent of the other.
 5. The particulate metering system of claim 1,wherein the particulate accelerator has an air inlet and anair-particulate outlet, wherein the air inlet and the air-particulateoutlet are nonparallel.
 6. The particulate metering system of claim 1,wherein the particulate accelerator further comprises a mixing areadisposed between terminal ends of the pair of shafts of the operatedconveyances and between an air inlet and an air- particulate outlet ofthe particulate accelerator.
 7. The particulate metering system of claim1, wherein the pair of shafts rotate in opposite directions for movingthe one or more types of particulate into the air-particulate interfaceof the particulate accelerator.
 8. A particulate metering system forparticulate, the system comprising: a particulate storage areacontaining one or more types of particulate; a plurality of particulatehandling subsystems in communication with the particulate storage area,each particulate handling subsystem having an input slot for receivingat least one of the one or more types of particulate and an outletterminating in an air-particulate interface of a particulateaccelerator; a shaft for each particulate handling subsystem, each shaftcarrying flighting disposed in operable communication with andterminating at the air-particulate interface of the particulateaccelerator, wherein an estimation of particulate dispensed perrevolution of each shaft is based upon a diameter of each shaft and ahelix angle of the flighting; and a gearbox in operable control of eachshaft.
 9. The particulate metering system of claim 8, wherein eachparticulate handling subsystem is comprised of a cartridge operativelyconnected to the gearbox.
 10. The particulate metering system of claim9, wherein each shaft can be a short shall or a long shaft extendingfrom the cartridge.
 11. The particulate metering system of claim 10,wherein the short shafts and the long shafts are alternately disposed inparallel below a particulate storage area.
 12. The particulate meteringsystem of claim 11, wherein the alternating of the short shaft and thelong shaft can provide for a greater density of particulate acceleratorsmountahly disposed below the particulate storage area.
 13. Theparticulate metering system of claim 1, wherein the shall is comprisedof two shaft sections, an inner shaft and a drive shaft.
 14. Aparticulate metering system for particulate, the system comprising: aparticulate storage area containing one or more types of particulate; apair of cartridges operably connected in communication with theparticulate storage area, each cartridge having an inlet for receivingat least one of the one or more types of particulate and an outletterminating in an air-particulate interface of a particulateaccelerator; a pair of shafts carrying flighting disposed in operablecommunication with the air-particulate interface of the particulateaccelerator, wherein the pair of shafts are parallel and terminate atthe air-particulate interface of the particulate accelerator; and agearbox in operable control of each shaft.
 15. The particulate meteringsystem of claim 14, wherein the cartridge is comprised of two halves.16. The particulate metering system of claim 14, wherein the pair ofshafts are comprised of an inner shaft and a drive shaft.
 17. Theparticulate metering system of claim 16, wherein the drive shaft iscoupled to the inner shaft.
 18. The particulate metering system of claim17, wherein the drive shaft can be hexagonal and engage a drive shaftopening in the gearbox.
 19. The particulate metering system of claim 14,wherein the pair of shafts are of different lengths.
 20. The particulatenietering system of claim 15, each of the two halves. can include acurved flange portion adapted to receive the shaft.